2022 Advent Challenge

The North Caelum Christmas Fair was something Loch looked forward to every year. A blaze of lit-up structures shaped like reindeer and dragons, and market stalls from which the most delicious sweet and smoky smells wafted. The live music was just the icing on the cake. There were multiple bands performing at once, and even though they were positioned far apart, it was possible to hear strains of different songs clashing against the tumult of the fair. Sometimes Loch would realise that the bands were trying to drown each other out, and would grin uncontrollably.

Most years, she explored the fair with her best friend and fellow musician Pyre. They'd walk around the crowded paths, trying to talk over all the noise. They'd take pictures of the decorations and buy hot doughnuts from the street vendor. It was a Christmas tradition that they'd stuck to ever since becoming friends.

This year...

Things were a little hectic – had been for weeks. Their band had a gig scheduled for Christmas Eve, which was pretty damn significant, especially since they were playing at a big venue. Stal was virtually in tears from the stress. Gray and Arc were holding themselves together, but she could tell they were panicking underneath. Pyre, obviously, was looking forward to it. Loch felt a bubbling mixture of nerves and excitement, and wondered if she'd have a breakdown on stage and forget how to play her guitar.

In preparation for The Most Terrifying Performance of Their Lives, Stal had been running them into the ground with rehearsals. Things reached a head when Arc failed to show up for a practice session because he was attending some charity event, and Loch complained that she wasn't getting enough time to buy Christmas presents.

Stal had yelled a bit, but eventually concluded that he was pushing everyone too hard. He'd fallen into a dour mood, pacing and muttering over his music sheets. Loch felt a bit sorry for him, but was mostly happy that she was finally getting a break.

She'd been hyped up for the Caelum Fair, eager to go with Pyre as per their usual tradition... and then he dropped a bombshell on her. He was planning to use his break to go home and spend time with his family.

Loch had tried very hard to hide her shock, but if Pyre's apologetic expression was anything to go by, her efforts to school her own expression had been in vain.

She didn't try to stop him. Of course she didn't. She knew how much his family meant to him. But deep, deep down, a tiny part of her resented that he'd chosen them over her, his best friend in the world.

Now, with night falling and temperatures dropping, she wandered aimlessly around the fair by herself, hands stuffed into her pockets to ward off the cold. The atmosphere was just as great as ever, with the bands blasting out Christmas hits and the crowds jostling her as she walked. But it wasn't the same without her friend by her side.

What am I doing? It's not like I don't have other friends... They're kinda all busy, though. Stal, you'd have to kill to tear him away from his music right now. Arc and Gray... Well, I haven't heard from them much.

The delicious odour of smoky meat got the better of her, and she stopped to buy a hotdog from the nearest stall. It wasn't bad, she decided, as she strolled down the illuminated path, trying not to let it be knocked out of her hand by any passer-bys.

'Hey, Loch.'

Hearing her name took her completely by surprise, and Loch whipped around with the hotdog halfway to her mouth. It was difficult to tell who had spoken at first – the path was so crowded – but then she spotted the grey dragon standing nearby, smiling and beckoning her over.

'Arc!'

Seeing someone she knew sent a bolt of unexpected happiness through Loch. She fought her way towards him.

'How long have you been around here?'

'Not long,' Arc replied. 'I had a bit of free time so I decided to come and have a look around. It's nice – I can see why you and Pyre like it so much.'

Loch's brain was scrambling to make thoughts. 'Stay a bit longer,' she blurted out. 'We can walk around, look at the decorations and stuff...'

Arc considered for a moment – probably trying to remember if he had any other obligations – but to Loch's relief, he agreed to stay. As they battled through the crowds together, Loch remembered the cooling hotdog in her hand and hastily finished it off in case he asked for some.

'Great festive atmosphere, isn't it?' he said, gazing in wonder at the big light structures.

'Oh yeah. It's awesome,' said Loch. 'Hey – are you hungry? The doughnut stall is just up ahead.'

'I could eat a doughnut,' he agreed.

'Or two.'

'Or more.'

They exchanged a quick grin. Dragons were renowned for their appetite, and Loch and Arc were no exception. They couldn't even be offended by the whole 'dragons are greedy' stereotype – they knew it was perfectly true.

They ended up buying a huge bag of miniature jam doughnuts and walking to a quiet corner to sit and eat them. They were warm and fresh, the jam filling like a torrent of lava.

'I wish Pyre was here,' said Loch without thinking. She then scrambled to take it back. 'I don't mean I wish you weren't here, it's just...'

'You always go with him. It's a tradition, isn't it?' Arc's kind and patient attitude, as always, shone through. 'I'm not offended, don't worry. I'm just glad you want to hang out with me at all.'

'Of course I do, Arc. I seriously wish we hung out more often. You're a great friend and a cool person.'

'Then, why don't we make a New Years' resolution to hang out more after this?' Arc suggested.

'Nobody ever sticks to those. But yeah, let's go for that. We can make a list of all the things we want to do and then pick some stuff to do together.'

Loch might have missed spending the evening with her best friend, but she had found unexpected solace in the company of another friend – a sweet and loyal guy who she'd probably taken for granted. New Years resolution or not, she was determined to give Arc more attention from now on. Stal and Gray too, if they were up for it – those two were a bit more reclusive. She was pretty sure they only liked each other.

'That sounds great,' said Arc, as he happily ate a doughnut in one bite.